The Board of Equalization showed ABC7 how easy it is to report the sales taxes you owe right there on your income tax forms. If you purchased items online without paying a sales tax, what you owe is actually called a use tax. It's equal to the local sales tax where you live.
"A lot of people like to go online thinking they're getting a great deal because sometimes you'll go to an online retailer you won't pay any tax, not knowing if you don't pay a tax to the retailer you still have to pay that tax here in California," said Jaime Garza, from the State Board of Equalization.
The state hopes consumers will fork over $10 million more per year in sales or use tax. There's a new guide to help you report what you owe.
